Research Officer (Suicide Prevention Research).

• $75,000 - $90,000 + Superannuation + Salary Packaging ($15,900.00 + Meal & Entertainment expenses)
• 0.95 FTE 
• Contract until 31/05/2029

About the Institute
Located on the lands of the Bidiagal Clan of the Dharawal Nation (Randwick, NSW), Black Dog Institute is the only Medical Research Institute in Australia to investigate mental health across the lifespan, our aim is to create a mentally healthier world for everyone.  Emphasising a devoted focus to into suicide prevention, digital mental health, a workplace mental health, we undertake a unique ‘translational’ research approach that allows us to turn our world-class findings into new treatments, prevention strategies, clinical services, educational programs, and e-health products. We join the dots by connecting research answers, expert knowledge, and the voices of lived experience to deliver solutions that impact and boost the health care system for patients and practitioners alike. Our work is used to drive evidence informed change across the rapidly expanding mental health sector and sets the foundations for a brighter and healthier future for all.

Benefits

• Hybrid work, 1-2 days per week in office (choose your days, consistent team collaboration days where possible)
• Salary Packaging: $15,900.00 of your base salary tax free & up to $2650.00 meal & entertainment
• Family first, people first culture, we put our research into action at work to make sure we maintain mental health and wellbeing at work
• We in the Innovate stage of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), actively embedding reconciliation into our workplace culture.
• Pet friendly workplace
• Leave benefits including public holiday swap, gifted annual leave, and wellbeing leave 
• Employee discounts and gym membership benefits

The Role

The Research Officer roles sits within the multidisciplinary Youth Suicide Prevention Lab, with a key role in providing a high-level of support to a range of research activities across school-based and eHealth projects. This position will work across a large-scale primary school-based self-harm prevention trial in partnership with the NSW Department of Education, and will support new interventional and exploratory research studies in eHealth for youth suicide prevention. The role will be split approximately 0.5FTE across these programs, but may vary in response to time-sensitive needs of the specific research projects. This position will support Project Managers in the day-to-day management of all research activities related to ethics, research conduct, including recruiting participants and building positive relationships with relevant stakeholders, contributing to data collection activities, and supporting intervention delivery. The position will also contribute to maintaining all study protocols and ethics, liaising closely with a multi-disciplinary team of study investigators and translational partners, supporting the on-time delivery of project activities. You will have a key role in data analysis and contribute to report writing, including for scientific publications. You will support a range of other dissemination activities as appropriate. The successful candidate will work closely with Project Managers who share in the responsibility for the coordination and daily operations of program streams.

Duties & Responsibilities

Accountabilities 

• Independently conduct recruitment and data collection research activities (including onsite in NSW schools and online for eHealth trials), under the supervision of senior research leaders, using research methods that align to the requirements of the project.
• Develop and manage/maintain positive, collaborative relationships with academics, schools, and professional organisations to support studies to achieve their objectives.
• Conduct data analysis for reporting and publications arising from the research studies under the supervision of a statistician
• Contribute to and support the write-up and dissemination of research outcomes through appropriate channels and outlets, including co-authoring or leading academic papers
• Participate in and/or present at conferences and/or workshops relevant to the project as required.
• Attend regular team meetings and contribute to project coordination tasks as required
• Provide general administrative support related to studies, including document organisation and file management
• Cooperate with all health and safety policy and procedures of the Institute and take all reasonable care to ensure your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself and others.

Work Health and Safety 

• Comply with all WHS legislation and BDI WHS Policy and Procedures
• Report any WHS hazards and significant issues to Director, People & Culture delegate and the reporting tool Rely.
• Work In a safe manner, applying duty of care.

Note: the list of responsibilities is not exhaustive, and the Institute may change or request additional activities to meet the operational needs of the business.

Selection Criteria

Essential Criteria

1. An honours degree or above in Psychology, Public Health, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of minimum 12 months relevant experience and/or education/training.
2. Demonstrable research experience at a university, medical research centre, or similar organisation, including conducting research (e.g., participant recruitment, data collection, ethics applications).
3. Demonstrated competency in data analysis, either through publications, reports, or assessments, using R or similar packages.
4. Strong interpersonal skills, and evidence of ability to liaise and engage with a diverse range of stakeholders to build collaborative relationships.
5. Demonstrated strong written communication skills, evidenced by publications, report writing, and/or the translation of research findings for lay audiences.
6. Excellent project management skills, including evidence of ability to use tools and processes to manage tasks and timelines.
7. Ability to work as part of a team and also independently.
8. A valid working with NSW Children Check or the eligibility to obtain one upon employment offer.
9. A knowledge of EEO principles and WH&S responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant WH&S training.
10. Desirable Criteria
11. Valid Australian driver’s licence and own car
12. Provisional or fully registered psychologist

Inclusion at BDI  

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience where all candidates can fully participate in the process.

We warmly encourage applications from First Nations peoples, culturally and racially diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and others from underrepresented backgrounds.

We recognise that not everyone has had equal access to opportunities, and valuable skills and perspectives can be gained through diverse life experiences.

If this role excites you but you don’t meet every listed requirement, we still encourage you to apply as your lived experience and insights are important to us.

Accessibility

If you have accessibility requirements or require information in an alternative format, please email workplaceadjustments@blackdog.org.au or phone 02 9382 4530 

Privacy

We respect your privacy and confidentiality. We only provide information to other staff where it is needed to arrange workplace adjustments.

How to Apply
To become a part of the Black Dog Institute team, follow the link to our careers site on ELMO and submit your most up to date resume and a detailed cover letter addressing the selection criteria for the role. If you are shortlisted for the role, we will call you and let you know you are successful. Please do not respond to any suspicious emails requesting you to upload your ID or personal details. 

Commencement of employment with the Institute is subject to the completion of relevant pre-employment checks, include reference checks, a National Criminal History Check, and other role-specific requirements.
These checks are conducted in line with the Institute’s commitment to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all employees, and check outcomes are reviewed and applied fairly and in accordance with the inherent requirements of the role